Development Policy Foundation

As part of the “Climate-Resilient Tarsus” project, implemented under the European Union Climate Change Grant Program, Tarsus Municipality hosted a delegation from Municipality of Warka between April 9-12, 2026.

During the visit, a cooperation agreement was signed, technical meetings were held, and on-site inspections of green areas were conducted to evaluate climate-resilient practices.

A key highlight was the identification of a focal site for a stormwater garden, a low-lying, sloped area that regularly floods and naturally accumulates water, making it ideal for a nature-based solution that combines stormwater management with public green space.

Thanks to Tarsus’s Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and strong agricultural base, the site is well-suited for planting native and climate-adapted species, including those with natural mosquito-repellent properties. Plants such as aromatic herbs and essential oil–producing species can thrive in these conditions, supporting biodiversity while enhancing user comfort in public spaces.

The planned site will help reduce flooding, curb erosion, enhance biodiversity with locally available plants, and create accessible greenery in an area lacking parks, while integrating natural mosquito-repellent vegetation as part of a multifunctional landscape design.

As the commercial and industrial center of Mersin, Tarsus continues to highlight agriculture as a key economic sector, improving productivity through modern and sustainable practices.

SeaClear2.0 will develop an integrated approach to address the full cycle of marine litter in a way that will help meet the objectives of the Mission to restore, protect and preserve the health of our oceans, seas and waters by 2030, in the context of the Mediterranean sea basin lighthouse of the European Commission.

Watch how SeaClear2.0 is developing real solutions to tackle marine litter and protect our oceans https://www.facebook.com/reel/842907552090731

Learn more about the project: https://www.seaclear2.eu/
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🌐 SeaClear Update: Activity 2: Advanced Ghost Net Mapping Underway

Implemented under the SeaClear 2.0 initiative, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, the Ghost Nets Hunter: The stakeholder-driven ghost nets recovery and upcycling in Hatay, Turkey project has entered a critical new phase in Samandağ, — kicking off Act 2: Initial Ghost Net Mapping. This marks a major step in the project’s mission to locate and eventually remove ghost nets, which are abandoned fishing gear that continue to trap marine life and damage underwater habitats.

To ensure precise, high-quality mapping, the SeaClear team is deploying advanced robotic technologies, including an underwater autonomous vehicle, to scan seabeds and coastal zones for submerged debris. These robots use sonar and imaging sensors to identify net-like structures with high accuracy, even in low-visibility areas where traditional diving is too dangerous or inefficient.

Complementing this high-tech approach is the WWF GhostDiver App, which enables local divers and fishers to report ghost net locations directly from the field. This integration of community input with automated surveys creates a rich, multi-source dataset that strengthens the reliability and scope of the mapping process.

With this dual strategy, SeaClear 2.0 is laying the groundwork for targeted removal campaigns later this year. The Samandağ pilot is part of a broader vision to demonstrate how robotics and citizen science can work together to tackle marine litter in complex environments across Europe.

Stay tuned as we move from mapping to removal!

🌊 Ghost Nets Hunter: Clearing the Seas, Reviving Marine Life in Hatay, Turkey

We are proud to contribute to Ghost Nets Hunter, a collaborative initiative under the EU-funded SeaClear2.0 project—Europe’s flagship program for tackling marine litter through advanced technologies and citizen engagement. This local pilot in Samandağ, Hatay, is focused on removing ghost nets—abandoned fishing gear that silently devastates marine life in the Bay of İskenderun (Bay of Alexandretta), one of the most impacted regions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Studies estimate that up to 309 marine organisms perish for every 100 meters of ghost net, including endangered loggerhead turtles nesting along these shores.

The project unites the efforts of Samandağ Municipality, Tekebaşı Fisheries Cooperative, Mustafa Kemal University, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. It kicked off with stakeholder coordination meetings and a participatory decision-making workshop on ghost net fishing and prevention. These early actions are part of a broader, inclusive strategy grounded in local knowledge and technical expertise.

Importantly, an ex-ante analysis was conducted to understand the environmental and social baseline, helping shape realistic and impactful intervention strategies. We’ve also launched the first phase of ghost net mapping and tracking in the bay—laying the foundation for targeted recovery operations. These efforts are key to SeaClear2.0’s mission of integrating scientific innovation, local action, and environmental stewardship.

With Ghost Nets Hunter, we are not only cleaning our seas—we are restoring ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and turning marine waste into opportunity through upcycling.

New project starting with our great old partner Peipsi Koostöö Keskus / Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. Great!

Congratulations to all the winners and participants of the great B-prepared project. Implemented by Gmina Ustka and supported by our Foundation.
To learn more please check on 📲 Disastropedia: b-prepared-project.com/
👍 Follow B-Prepared project : facebook.com/Bpreparedproject

We are proud to announce that DPF has endorsed the EU Mission Charter for “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.
By joining this initiative, we commit to:
✅ Protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity
✅ Preventing and eliminating pollution of our seas and waters
✅ Supporting sustainable, carbon-neutral blue economy solutions

Through the BioProtect project, DPF will work alongside European partners and associated regions like Odesa (Ukraine) to implement innovative, replicable solutions for healthier oceans and waters.

Together, we can make a lasting impact by 2030. 💧💙


https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters/mission-charter

It's nice to see your projects still bring results. In Cimislia the mayor .Andronachi launched a new season for the apple juice machine. Initiated by our Foundation and Igor Luchianov its a result of the project implemented jointly 2023-2024 by Primăria Cimişlia and Gmina Ryńsk with a grant of Ambasada RP w Kiszyniowie / Ambasada Republicii Polone la Chișinău. The juice pressing machine is part of the fruits and vegetables processing equipment operating under Budjak Fruits Processing Incubator in Cimislia.

POLONEZII AU DOTAT CIMISLIA CU UN UTILAJ DE PRODUCERE A SUCULUI NATURAL – Media TV - Știri din Cimișlia POLONEZII AU DOTAT CIMISLIA CU UN UTILAJ DE PRODUCERE A SUCULUI NATURAL

📢 On September 30, 2025, the closing conference of the iMERMAID Project took place at the Cimișlia City Hall, with both in-person and online participation. Cimișlia became the first locality in Moldova to join and successfully benefit from the Horizon Europe innovation program. The Development Policy Foundation has been proud to support the Municipality of Cimișlia in implementing the PPRRRCM – Plan for the Prevention, Reduction and Remediation of Pesticide Pollution in Cimișlia, ensuring strong coordination between local, national, and international partners.

As part of the project, around 30 soil and water samples were collected from different areas of the city and its surroundings. Laboratory analyses conducted by BioLab Test SRL confirmed that while soils are within acceptable standards, the waters of the Cogâlnic River and Jepar Lake are in critical condition. At the same time, water from pumping stations showed the best results, demonstrating safe and reliable quality for community use.

These findings provide an important evidence base for the future. They underline the urgent need for preventive and remedial measures and demonstrate how local action, supported by international expertise, can address long-standing environmental challenges.

ℹ️The PPRRRCM project has indirectly benefited from funding by the European Union’s Horizon Europe innovation program, through the iMERMAID Open Call #1 – “Widespread demonstration of iMERMAID solutions in Associated Regions from the Mediterranean area,” issued and implemented under the iMERMAID project (Grant Agreement No. 101112824).

We are proud to share that Yüreğir Municipality is actively implementing the iMERMAID project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe innovation program. The project, titled IMRHMCSR (Integrated Monitoring and Remediation of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Seyhan River), addresses heavy metal pollution in the Seyhan River.

✨ Within the scope of this project:
🔹 An innovative sensor inspired by a successful example in Italy is being tested to monitor water quality.
🔹 Harmful heavy metals are being measured to protect public health, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
🔹 A three-phase, nine-month process is being carried out, which will result in a comprehensive roadmap for preventing and reducing heavy metal pollution.
🔹 Valuable data is being collected to shape pollution reduction strategies, policy recommendations, and long-term monitoring solutions.

By protecting the Seyhan River and strengthening water management practices, this initiative contributes to a healthier environment in Turkey and beyond.

The Development Policy Foundation is happy to support the Municipality of Cimișlia in implementing the PPRRRCM – Plan for the Prevention, Reduction and Remediation of Pesticide Pollution in Cimișlia. Recent reports show that around 75% of wells in Moldova contain water exceeding contamination limits, making it unsafe for daily consumption. This highlights the urgent need for projects that address water and soil quality at the local level.

In Moldova, over 2,000 tonnes of pesticides are used annually, with an average of 1.6 kg per hectare and up to 4.6 kg/ha in certain regions. These figures show why Cimișlia and similar communities need targeted interventions to monitor contamination, reduce risks, and protect public health.

Through PPRRRCM, samples of water and soil are being collected and analyzed, leading to the creation of a pollution map and a local roadmap of concrete measures. These actions will ensure that Cimișlia can take informed steps to prevent, reduce, and remediate pesticide pollution, safeguarding the health of its residents and the environment.

The PPRRRCM project has indirectly benefited from funding by the European Union’s Horizon Europe innovation program, through the iMERMAID Open Call #1 – “Widespread demonstration of iMERMAID solutions in Associated Regions from the Mediterranean area,” issued and implemented under the iMERMAID project (Grant Agreement No. 101112824)

Legătura cu problema apelor potabile contaminate în Moldova.

Cele mai recente studii arată că în Republica Moldova aproximativ 75% de fântâni au apă potabilă ce depășește normele de contaminare, ceea ce le face periculoase pentru consumul uman regulat.

Această realitate ne arată cât de urgentă este intervenția în domeniul calității apei.
Proiectul PPRRRCM – Plan de Prevenire, Reducere și Remediere a Poluării cu Pesticide pentru Cimișlia răspunde exact acestei provocări: prin prelevări periodice de probe de apă și sol, analize detaliate și identificarea surselor de contaminare, vom putea determina dacă și în localitatea noastră există fântâni sau surse de apă potabilă afectate de pesticide.

Scopul este dublu: să protejăm siguranța alimentară și sănătatea publică, și să ne asigurăm că toate familiile din Cimișlia au acces la apă curată, conform standardelor europene și moldovenești.

Proiectul PPRRRCM a beneficiat indirect de finanțare din partea programului de inovare Horizon Europe al Uniunii Europene, prin intermediul Apelului Deschis iMERMAID #1 – „Demonstrarea extinsă a soluțiilor iMERMAID în regiunile asociate din zona Mediteranei”, emis și implementat în cadrul proiectului iMERMAID (Contract de finanțare nr. 101112824).